Healthy Perspectiveshttp://blog.puritan.com
Brought to you by Puritan's PrideWed, 29 Jul 2015 14:21:19 +0000en-UShourly1The Road to Tough Mudder – by Peter Shapiro, President of Puritan’s Pridehttp://blog.puritan.com/the-road-to-tough-mudder-by-peter-shapiro-president-of-puritans-pride/
http://blog.puritan.com/the-road-to-tough-mudder-by-peter-shapiro-president-of-puritans-pride/#commentsMon, 27 Jul 2015 14:32:34 +0000http://blog.puritan.com/?p=4340After these pictures posted on Facebook I felt compelled to share the journey that led me to such a personal accomplishment.

After these pictures posted on Facebook I felt compelled to share the journey that led me to such a personal accomplishment. When I decided to start training last October for the Tough Mudder challenge in June I was not in shape. In fact, I couldn’t even jog a mile, and my diet was less than desirable on most days. It was a real eye-opener. I made the decision right then and there that this was about so much more than training for an obstacle course; this was about setting a goal to get myself healthy and fit long-term for my wife and children.

That was the motivation that got me working out twice a week by running, strength training and taking a serious look at my diet and eating habits. I can’t say that I didn’t fall off the wagon here and there over the 8 months, but when I did I accepted it and worked that much harder the next day. Some days were exhilarating, some were a struggle, but there was no turning back from the goal I had set for myself. There was no room for excuses or laziness. It was happening.

The challenge itself was really hard, as I expected it to be. For over six hours my team of 14 climbed, crawled and pushed each other, both physically and mentally. With obstacles named Cry Baby (an enclosed structure filled with a safe tear gas-like substance), Electroshock Therapy® (the electrifying crown jewel of every Tough Mudder course) and Arctic Enema® (a dive into an ice bath – my personal favorite) to name few, the importance of teamwork was imperative, especially since you wouldn’t move on to the next obstacle until each team member completed it.

The support I got not just from my teammates but from complete strangers really stuck with me. A fellow competitor saw I was struggling with my knee, handed me an ace bandage from his supply pack and said, “you’re finishing this race” before disappearing into the crowd. I was astounded by the generosity of strangers and saw firsthand how this was not just about challenging yourself but also about helping and inspiring others.

The feeling I had when I crossed the finish line was truly overwhelming. The pain and exhaustion was trumped by euphoria and a tremendous sense of accomplishment. When I look at these pictures I see much more than strength and determination. I see an example I’ve set for my kids that I’m proud of – that regardless of age, busy schedules and physical ability, nothing is out of reach. You just have to want it enough to make it happen.

]]>http://blog.puritan.com/the-road-to-tough-mudder-by-peter-shapiro-president-of-puritans-pride/feed/0Good Nutrition is Vital to Eye Health and Healthy Vision**http://blog.puritan.com/good-nutrition-vital-to-eye-health/
http://blog.puritan.com/good-nutrition-vital-to-eye-health/#commentsThu, 23 Jul 2015 16:20:05 +0000http://blog.puritan.com/?p=4247As you're sitting in front of a screen, reading this newsletter, are you reading with optimal lighting conditions? Is the screen size maximized and yet you find yourself squinting to read it clearly? If so, you're like many of your fellow Americans.

As you’re sitting in front of a screen, reading this newsletter, are you reading with optimal lighting conditions? Is the screen size maximized and yet you find yourself squinting to read it clearly? If so, you’re like many of your fellow Americans.

We seem to spend too many hours a day reading in bad light, staring at computer screens, watching TV and squinting at our smart phones and tablets. Aside from eliminating all screen time, do you ever wonder what you can do to help support your eye health?

Here are a few eye facts:

•

Humans need specific nutrients to provide support for healthy eyes.**

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Older people with vision concerns should consider proactive eye nutrition.**

Your eyes are one of the most sensitive organs you have and proper nutrients are essential to give your eyes the support they need.** Certain nutrients can help support your eye health, and we’re not talking about that old myth that promotes eating vast amounts of carrots to improve vision. While it is true that carrots contain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant, it is not true that consuming lots of carrots has any effect on vision. In fact, eating too many carrots may temporarily turn your skin orange – really!

Some important nutrients to consider when you are thinking of supporting healthy vision are Lutein (loo-teen) and Zeaxanthin (zeea-ZAN-thin).** These two nutrients are valuable, effective antioxidants.**

Antioxidants fight free radicals in your body.** If there is an excess of free radicals in your body, it may lead to some negative reactions like the premature aging of cells, including those that support your vision.** When free radicals are left unchecked, they may damage cells and proteins in your body!**

Not to worry. You can help take care of your eyes by turning on a reading lamp, wearing UV blocking sunglasses when outdoors and getting plenty of eye-health nutrients in your diet.**

Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In case you haven’t heard, that means you should be eating 5 servings of fruits and veggies per day. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are found in green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, as well as in carrots, squash, orange peppers, tangerines, collard greens, turnips, broccoli, and persimmons. The Lutein to Zeaxanthin ratio in the average diet is about 5:1.

If you cannot support your eye nutrition through fruits and vegetables alone, consider taking a supplement that contains ingredients for eyesight and macular health.** Taking an additional supplement is a great way to obtain the eye benefits Lutein and Zeaxanthin provide.**

Okay, so we don’t mean nude. We simply mean bare, as in back to basics. You know: natural, homeopathic, traditional and alternative.

If you’re trying to live a “cleaner” lifestyle, these words may be a large part of your vocabulary. And, if you’re new to the idea of making a change to a healthier, simpler outlook, it’s easy to get started. Small, simple changes can have a really big impact.

Two popular avenues for exploring a more traditional path to health and wellness are Ayurveda and Aromatherapy.** These practices each have a long history of tradition dating back centuries and seek to help you find balance. Ayurveda (pronounced ah-yer-vey-duh) is an ancient holistic approach to self-care. The word origin traces back to Sanskrit where it is broken down into 2 basic words – (ayur) life and (veda) knowledge. Can’t get much more basic than that.

Let’s talk about herbology (don’t let the “ology” part scare you, the science is simple). Ayurvedic practitioners take a “whole body” approach that promotes a balance between the various organs and systems of the body through the use of foods and natural herbs.** Simple, right?

Ayurvedic practice may include sipping specially formulated teas, adding certain spices to foods, or enjoying tinctures or salves made with natural ingredients in an effort to help you find balance in your life through maintaining health and happiness.**

Licorice Root is an important tonic herb in Ayurvedic practice.** This aromatic, sweet root herb is frequently used as a flavoring, a tea, or a tonic, and it is frequently mixed with other herbs (sometimes, simply to cover up a bad taste).**

The use of turmeric is also very prevalent in Ayurveda. Turmeric is a spice that can be a little bit on the bitter side. It is also astringent and pungent, with the ability to add a bit of heat to your recipe. In Ayurveda, the heating quality of turmeric is believed to help balance well-being.**

Sweet, spicy Ginger is very popular and widely used in Ayurveda. Besides being a delightful culinary ingredient, Ginger Root, which contains gingerols and zingiberene also supports a healthy digestive system.** The art of Ayurveda employs several different methods to enjoy this warm, delicious spice. Ginger tea is easy to brew and quite enjoyable before or after a meal. This makes sense since Ginger Root is utilized for occasional stomach upset. You could also nimble slivers of dried ginger or you could use raw ginger to flavor your vegetables or grains while they cook and strain out the ginger before serving. Did you know that Ginger also supports comfortable joint movement?**

Now let’s talk about Aromatherapy. If you’ve ever inhaled a familiar aroma and suddenly found yourself daydreaming about a happy memory, you’ve already got a basic understanding of aromatherapy. Scents have the ability to elicit strong emotions. The ancient art of Aromatherapy utilizes highly concentrated oil extracts to bring about different moods and reactions – calming, soothing, invigorating or even energizing.

Because many air fresheners contain undesirable chemicals to create and disperse scents, you may want to opt for a more natural aromatherapy option. We love diffusing a scent for an entrancing experience.

As if ginger wasn’t already amazing enough, this remarkable root is considered to have rejuvenating qualities. Ginger root essential oil is said to bring about a grounding effect with its sweet, warm and spicy essence.

In the mood for something that stimulates your senses and brings about a feeling of balance? You may like the sharp citrus scents of grapefruit, lemon or lime. These types of essential oils stimulate, warm and cleanse and are thought to bring balance to those who feel sluggish.

If you are searching for a way to bring a sense of calmness to your life, you may enjoy the cooling, soothing and calming botanicals like rose, vanilla or jasmine.

And, if you’re looking for a whole mind-body experience with aromatherapy, you can always add a few drops of essential oil to your bath or opt for an aromatherapy massage with a mixture of essential and carrier oils.

Aromappeal®
Grapefruit 100% Pure Essential Oil

10 ml Oil / Item #029071

Illuminate your senses and explore pure aromatic pleasure with the citrusy zing of Grapefruit Oil. This refreshing oil is stimulating and uplifting, and has been traditionally used to rejuvenate your entire body.

This advanced, active form of Co Q-10 features extraordinary antioxidant properties and also promotes a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.**

But, unlike ordinary Co Q-10, Ubiquinol is different. Ubiquinol is the active form of Co Q-10 that is ready for your body to fight free radicals.** (Regular Co Q-10 must first be converted in the body to Ubiquinol to provide antioxidant support.**)

You may be familiar with the story behind Coenzyme Q-10. Most often called Co Q-10, it’s best known for supporting a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.** A formidable weapon in maintaining your active lifestyle as you age, Co Q-10 benefits and supports the heart in so many ways, including helping to maintain healthy blood pressure already within a normal range.**

It’s also important to note that statin medication may be lowering your Co Q-10 levels. And that’s where supplements come in. They can help replenish the Co Q-10 that statin medications take away.** But Coenzyme Q-10 is not intended to serve as a replacement for statin therapy, nor should you discontinue taking any prescribed medications while supplementing with Co Q-10.

And, did you know that as we age, the ratio of Ubiquinol to Co Q-10 in the blood may decrease due to increased oxidative stress?** Free radicals contribute to oxidative stress, which in turn may contribute to the premature aging of cells.**

Plus, as if supporting a healthy heart and fighting free radicals isn’t enough, there are additional benefits to taking Co Q-10.** It helps convert food to energy.** It may be important to nervous system health.** And, it’s even linked to the support of good oral health!**

]]>http://blog.puritan.com/orange-dreamsicle-smoothie-recipe/feed/0Rescuing Stanleyhttp://blog.puritan.com/rescuing-stanley/
http://blog.puritan.com/rescuing-stanley/#commentsMon, 29 Jun 2015 14:35:31 +0000http://blog.puritan.com/?p=4228Alana Albert, Senior Manager for E-Commerce at Puritan’s Pride, recently rescued a senior Maltese dog named Stanley. Here she shares the strides he has made in his forever home! I found a photo of a matted pup while scrolling through Instagram, and reading his story touched my heart. I had been keeping an eye out […]

Alana Albert, Senior Manager for E-Commerce at Puritan’s Pride, recently rescued a senior Maltese dog named Stanley. Here she shares the strides he has made in his forever home!

I found a photo of a matted pup while scrolling through Instagram, and reading his story touched my heart. I had been keeping an eye out for a dog to rescue, particularly a Maltese since my family has had a few. Given there were so many comments on the Instagram photo, I didn’t think I had a shot, but I submitted paperwork to adopt him anyway.

Stanley’s “before” photo

A week later, I was in his foster parents’ apartment about to make a life-changing decision. Taking him home that day was the best decision I could have made.

Stanley is about 9 years old, deaf and is missing 18 teeth. His quirky character brings a lot of laughs and love to my home. So far within the past 3 months that I’ve had him, he’s been to an assisted living facility to visit my grandmother (and they all love him), on a trip to the vineyards, a long wilderness hike, and survived a sleepover at my house with my very energetic nephews.

Stanley loves car rides, chin rubs, being chased in circles, and going for long walks. I’ve been getting a lot more exercise with him! When we go for a walk, I sometimes think to myself “how did you survive the harsh winters?”

He’s a tough little boy and being deaf has not stopped him from surviving on the streets. He’s now in his fur-ever home and has truly gone from rags to riches. Stanley has transitioned from a stinky, matted, homeless little man to a very loved and rescued family member.

]]>http://blog.puritan.com/rescuing-stanley/feed/3Chia – The Tiny Seed with a Punchhttp://blog.puritan.com/chia-the-tiny-seed-with-a-punch2/
http://blog.puritan.com/chia-the-tiny-seed-with-a-punch2/#commentsWed, 24 Jun 2015 15:19:44 +0000http://blog.puritan.com/?p=4144What a Super Seed! We all remember that catchy little theme song from the commercials: ch-ch-ch-chia. But, how many of us know that besides growing grass-like "hair" on a terra cotta head, Chia Seeds are considered to be one of nature's "super" foods?

What a Super Seed!

We all remember that catchy little theme song from the commercials: ch-ch-ch-chia. But, how many of us know that besides growing grass-like “hair” on a terra cotta head, Chia Seeds are considered to be one of nature’s “super” foods?

Chia

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Supports heart health**

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Contains Alpha Linoleic Acid (ALA)

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Delivers a good source of fiber

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Contains Omega-3s

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And, contains Omega-6 and Omega-9 essential fatty acids

Plus, chia seeds also possess the nutrients magnesium and manganese. Pretty impressive for a seed that is no bigger than a poppy seed!

Small Wonder
Chia seeds are harvested from Salvia hispanica, a plant in the mint family that is indigenous to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. Chia seeds are available in black and white varieties. Here in the U.S. Salvia hispanica is also grown as an ornamental garden plant that grows up to 3 feet tall and produces spikes of pretty blue or white flowers during the warmer months of summer.

Refreshing Recipe
So, how exactly do we use Chia seeds in the kitchen? The most popular way to enjoy chia seeds is in a thirst-quenching beverage called Chia Fresca.

Despite its appearance (we admit Chia Fresca does bear a resemblance to a bunch of bugs suspended in gelatin) this drink is actually quite refreshing. In fact, the word Fresca means fresh in Spanish.

While there are several different ways to prepare Chia Fresca, the basic recipe is water, Chia seeds and fruit juice with optional sweetener added (maple syrup is a great addition).

Place the chia seeds in a glass and add the water while you stir. Let the seeds sit for about five minutes so they soak up the water. Stir again, and let sit for as long as you like. The longer the mixture sits, the more gel-like the seeds and water become, so if you don’t desire a thick beverage, less sitting time is preferable. Add citrus juice and sweetener to taste.

Alternate recipes replace the water with other fruit juice, such as pomegranate or even chilled coconut milk. Go ahead, get creative and enjoy.

Okay, so you’re thinking a thick, gel-like beverage does not sound very appealing. You may also wonder if you will have difficulty swallowing all those tiny seeds. Have no fear. The outer coating of the seed swells up with a clear gel-like substance that makes it very easy to swallow. If you think of these seeds in the same way you think of tomato seeds, it might make a little more sense.

Superb Sprinkles
If you’re still not convinced you’ll appreciate Chia Fresca, you could sprinkle chia seeds on a salad. You can mix them into your favorite smoothie. Add them to pancakes or muffins. Mix them with coconut water and freeze them into chia pops. Recipe ideas abound. Check out other healthy foods for snack ideas.

So, what exactly are you getting when you add Chia seeds to your diet? Chia seeds can be used to supplement your diet with essential fatty acids and fiber. A plant-based source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, Chia seeds can be added to virtually any recipe. Because they have a neutral flavor you can sprinkle them into your favorite dishes without worry that they will overpower the flavor of other herbs and spices.

Chia seeds provide dietary fiber, which plays a role in the maintenance of a healthy functioning of the GI tract and can support colon health** Getting your daily recommended intake of fiber also promotes heart health.**

In addition to all of that, Chia seeds provide the essential nutrients, Omega-3 in the form of Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) and Omega-6 as Linoleic Acid (LA). These essential fatty acids help support heart and skin health.**

Whether you choose to refresh with Chia Fresca or simply sprinkle the seeds on your favorite dishes, or go all out and invent your own Chia seed recipes, enjoy!

Puritan’s Pride
Chia Seeds

16 oz Seeds / Item #019106

Vegetarian and low-fat diets sometimes run the risk of being low in essential fatty acids. A great way to supplement your meals with more of these nutrients is Chia Seeds! Chia Seeds add Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, fiber, and protein to any dish, and their neutral flavor keeps your recipes tasting just how you like them.**

]]>http://blog.puritan.com/chia-the-tiny-seed-with-a-punch2/feed/5Protect Pets from Hidden Backyard Dangershttp://blog.puritan.com/protect-pets-from-hidden-backyard-dangers2/
http://blog.puritan.com/protect-pets-from-hidden-backyard-dangers2/#commentsWed, 24 Jun 2015 15:19:29 +0000http://blog.puritan.com/?p=4095While most of us like to believe that our back yards are safe havens for our family pets, many of us are unaware of common items that pose very real hazards for our furry friends.

Tips to Safely Share Outdoor Spaces with Your Four Legged Friends

As the weather warms up and daylight hours are extended, our thoughts turn to spending more time in the great outdoors with our families, and many of us like to include our pets in those plans. While most of us like to believe that our back yards are safe havens for our family pets, many of us are unaware of common items that pose very real hazards for our furry friends.

Poisonous Plants
There are a few plants that are common in back yard landscapes around North America that pose some extreme dangers to dogs and cats. Before letting your pets roam free, check your yard for any of these plants and know whether or not your pet has a tendency to eat the greenery of plants. The best way to avoid the hazards is to remove them.

Sago Palm
The ornamental Sago palm (which is not really a palm at all) is extremely toxic and can cause a very sudden death, sometimes within hours of ingestion. Also known as Coontie Palm, Cardboard Palm, Cycad or Zamia, Sago Palm contains a potent toxin called Cycasin that can cause life-threatening clinical signs and death. While the entire plant is toxic, the seeds of the plant have the highest concentration of Cycasin. The poison in these plants is so toxic that dogs have died after ingesting a single seed. If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of this plant, seek emergency assistance immediately. Symptoms can include, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and coma.1

Lily of the Valley
This common springtime groundcover (Convallaria majalis) has beautiful dainty white bell shaped flowers and is delightful to smell, but if ingested by dogs or cats can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in heart rate, severe cardiac arrhythmias, and possibly even seizures. If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of this plant, seek veterinary help immediately.2

Lilies
Cat owners need to be very cautious about lilies. Sometimes even ingesting very small amounts (such as drinking the water from a vase filled with lilies) can cause severe kidney failure in cats. Several varieties of the true lily family (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) are deadly and highly toxic to cats. Stay away from Tiger, Asiatic, Easter, Japanese Show and Day lilies. Some cats are so sensitive to lilies that even exposure to the pollen or ingesting as few as two petals or leaves can have devastating effects. If a cat consumes any part of these lilies, he or she needs immediate veterinary care to prevent kidney failure.

Mulch
Ever heard of cocoa mulch? It is exactly as it sounds… made from cocoa. That’s the trouble. It is highly toxic to dogs and because it smells so good, they are instantly attracted to it.3 Chocolate is toxic to dogs because of the theobromine in it. This mulch contains a highly concentrated form of theobromine, making it even more toxic than baker’s chocolate. Large quantities may be quickly ingested, and symptoms include hyperactivity, muscle tremors, fast heart rate, hyperthermia and seizures. The best prevention is not to purchase cocoa mulch. Also, make sure your dog cannot wander off to your neighbor’s yard for a snack and curb him during walks so he can’t ingest mulch of any kind.

Stagnant Water
Stagnant water of any kind is generally not a good idea, but if you have pets, you should be especially vigilant about making sure that there is no standing water in your yard. Mosquitoes breed and thrive in damp areas and lay their eggs in stagnant water. Mosquito bites can lead to heartworm disease. Besides the risk of heartworm infection, standing water may also be a breeding ground for parasites, bacteria, and worms. If your pet takes a sip, he or she runs the risk of serious illness.4 Keep all water dishes clean and full of fresh water.

In addition to the hidden dangers, there are also the common summer troubles that plague our 4-legged friends, including fleas and ticks, heat related stresses, and skin irritation.

Despite all the potential dangers out there, spending quality time with your pet outdoors is a wonderful way for both of you to get some exercise, enjoy the fresh air and to bond. And, the best protection for your pet is your attention. If you are aware of the dangers you can hopefully help to avoid them.

NaturVet
Herbal Flea Spray

16 oz Spray / Item #034952

NaturVet’s Herbal Flea Spray is a natural combination of Rosemary and Cedar Oil which helps to repel fleas and flies while deodorizing with a fresh herbal fragrance. Herbal Flea Spray can be used on pets and pet bedding, such as pillows, foam beds, and blankets. This product is designed to be non-staining. However, we recommend testing on fabric before use. Herbal Flea Spray can be used on puppies and kittens over the age of six weeks.

The people here at Puritan’s Pride aren’t just associates, they’re customers, too! See what some of their favorite products are, and keep an eye out for more featured favorites in future emails.

My Pre-Meal Must Have!

I take my Probiotic Acidophilus Beads before every meal, and I absolutely love them! They help my digestive system stay on track and keep me feeling great! These blister packs are great for people like me who are always on the go!

- Ashley Krauszer, Email Marketing Strategist

My Favorite Home Accessory

Like most busy parents, I sometimes look for creative ways to balance my life. Bringing aromatherapy into our home has helped enhance everyone’s mood as well as freshen the air. Finding a scent that appeals to every family member was a challenge at first, but the warm, soothing scent of Rose Essential Oil is perfect! It’s not too “perfumey” or sweet and (bonus) it reminds me of my mom.

- Tricia Sheehan, Senior Copy Writer

My Kids Approve!

My two little girls are picky eaters, so I like to give them a multivitamin to help supplement their diets. The problem is they hated every kind I gave them to try, until these gummy vitamins came along. Now they’re happy to take their vitamins every day, and I’m happy I found something they like!

- John Salvi, Email Marketing Coder

I Find New Uses All the Time

I love Coconut Oil, and this one from our in-house brand Perfectly Pure is my favorite. I have one at my desk and one at home. I use it as a hand moisturizer every day, and because it is natural and unscented it’s perfect for my sensitive skin. Once a week I do a deep conditioning hair treatment and it keeps my color treated hair looking healthy.